ABSTRACT
This paper examines and compares categories of structures that belong to the general class of folding structures, focusing on their geometric transformation and their tectonic, topological and material expression. Emphasis is placed on structures of cubic shape. A novel concept of a folding frame composed of rigid linear members forming a cube that collapses into a planar octagonal shape is presented. Integrating into the frame surface elements, such as an origami surface first, and a doubly curved membrane afterwards, is shown to yield to concepts of folding structures with significant differences in their tectonic and material expressions, and with different potential applications. Subsequently networks that occur from the assembly of foldable modules of cubic form, as well as foldable frames which, in their deployed configuration, create cubic cells, have also been explored, and their tectonic expression and potential applications are discussed.
